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IUWJ
NATIONAL MEET AT SHRAVANABELAGOLA
Shravanabelagola, Feb 5:The
62nd national conference of the Indian Union of Working Journalists (IUWJ) will
be held at Shravanabelagola for the first time from Feb 21 to 23.
Disclosing this to media persons on Sunday, Shravanabelagola pontiff Swasthishri
Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said as many as 2, 500 media representatives
including 75 foriegn journalists were expected to attend the three day national
conference. "On February 23, a special Mastakabhisheka will be performed
exclusively for journalists and their families. This apart, the Mutt will make
all necessary arrangements inclusive of separate north and south indian cuisine
apart from Cultural programmes as a part of the conference," he added.
Earlier, the Swamiji held discussions with IUWJ Prersident Vikram Rao and other
national council members. KUWJ President Venkatesh and Hassan District
Journalists Union President Shivanand were also present.
TRUE
NON-VIOLENCE WILL END POVERTY IN INDIA
Shravanabelagola, Feb 6:
True Ahimsa or non-violence does not mean only doing away with violence. All
types of exploitation, deprivation and inequality constitute violence. So long
there is poverty, backwardness and illiteracy in our country, the stigma of
violence will continue to be upon us, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
said on Monday.
Addressing the gathering after performing the 'Rajyabhisheka Ceremony' in
Pachakalyana Mahotsav of Adinath, the first Theerthankara, on the occasion of
the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav here, the Vice President pointed out that while
following the principal of non-violence, we should always consider as to what we
are doing for the welfare of the poor and deprived. As long as 26 crore people
continue to remain below the poverty line, deprived of basic amenities like
employment, nutritious food, education, health and safe drinking water, a truly
non-violent society cannot be established.
"If all the prosperous people start following the principles of Ahimsa and
Aprigrah, frugal living, and adopt a poor family or a village and work for their
upliftment, the poverty in our country can be eliminated easily. The people
belonging to Jain society can easily do so because fortunately a large number of
them are prosperous. The principle of Aprigrah does not forbid accumulating
wealth; it guides us to utilize our resources for the welfare of the society,"
he added.
Shri Shekhawat said the principles propounded by Jainism are integral part of
our ancient Indian culture. In our culture where faith and belief in religion
are important, right conduct has been given more importance. All religions
consider self to be a manifestation of God and therefore service of humanity
automatically becomes service of God. "Therefore when religion enjoins upon us
to serve and follow the path of non-violence, it becomes our paramount duty to
follow the spirit of Antyodaya and serve the poorest of the poor with a spirit
of
dedication," he exhorted the gathering.
Hoping that from the solemn Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony of Bhagwan Bahubali
today, a resounding message of good conduct and moral values will go to all the
people and inspire them to contribute to the transformation of our country, the
Vice President said he felt blessed on coming to Shravanabelagola.
Recounting the story of the fight between the brothers Bharatha and Bahubali,
the Vice President said the moral of the story was that violence, anger and ego
are the biggest impediments in the path to upliftment of the source and welfare
of humanity.
Earlier he inaugurated the Srimathi Chandravali Siddhomal Jain Girls Hostel of
Bahubali College of Engineering constructed at a cost of Rs.35 lakh donated by
Mr. Devendra Kumar Jain of Delhi by unveiling a plaque.
WHEN
VICE-PRESIDENT AND GOVERNOR 'PEARL' FANNED ADINATHA, AFTER ABHISHEKA IN 'GOLD'
KALASHA
When Vice-President & Governor 'pearl'fanned
Adinatha, after
abhisheka in 'Gold' Kalasha
Shravanabelagola, Feb 6: It
was a moment of deep rooted significance and dharmic charm on Monday afternoon
when Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat performed the Rajyabhisheka to an
idol of Adinatha placed atop a silver throne in 'Gold' kalasha and later fanned
the Idol using 'pearl' laden Chamara in the company of Karnataka Governor T N
Chaturvedi.
The ceremony commenced soon after Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar ended his
blessings. With a song hailing Bahubali and Mahamastakabhisheka being played in
the backdrop and the crowd gathered inside the giant pendal putting their hands
together, Shravanabelagola Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji
directed the proceedings that followed. Two torch bearers took their position
beside the Vice President while another armed with a colourfully decorated
umbrella took position behind him.
The Vice President began his ceremonial walk and after taking the blessings of
the Acharyas and the monks, walked back to the silver throne on which the idol
of Adinatha was placed, where Indra Mahendra Jain and Indrani Saritha Jain stood
side by side the decorated throne with the Gold kalasha in front. The Vice
President, as per the directions of the Swamiji, performed the Rajyabhisheka as
Jain hymns and slokas was chanted.
At the resplendent ceremony, it was then the turn for the Swamiji to hand over a
'pearl' laden fan or 'chamara', one each to the Vice President and Governor T N
Chaturvedi who fanned the Idol as the devotional songs continued in the
background. Later, it was the turn of the new Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy,
Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and others.
The brief ceremony, when the rulers of today both at gubernatorial office at the
Centre and the State, and the elected rulers of the State, paid their respects
to the king-turned- saint Adinatha or Rushabhanath, the first Theerthankara and
the father of Bahubali, was indeed a sight that will linger on through the
years.
Later, speaking of the experience, the Vice President said: "For the last
thousands of years innumerous saints have been coming here for meditation and
spreading the principles and philosophy of Jainism. It is said that the powerful
emperor Chandragupta Mourya who rule a large part of India was so inspired by
Bahubali that he handed over his kingdom to his son and settled in this region
to meditate and follow the path of non-violence and righteousness. It is an
unforgettable and divine experience for me to participate in the first
Rajyabhisheka
ceremony of this millennium."
TODAY IS
MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA DAY
Shravanabelagola, Feb 7:
The stage is all set for the Mahamastakabhisheka (anointing) ceremony of
Bhagawan Bahubali, the enduring universal symbol of peace and renunciation, on
Wednesday.
At the stroke of 10.34 am, the new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka of
Bhagawan Bahubali will begin with members of the Patni family from Kishangarh,
Rajasthan, commencing the abhisheka by emptying the first kalasha. A sight,
eagerly awaited by millions, some 6000 strong gathering lucky enough to be
present on the three tier platform atop Shravanabelagola and others glued to the
Television sets to watch live telecast on Five channels, Astha, Sanskar,
Doordarshan, Udaya TV or Eenadu TV. Many other vantage points in this pilgrim
township for those enthusiasts who fail to secure entry include the Chandragiri
Hills, opposite the Vindhagiri Hills. As many as 108 Kalashas of water from
different rivers in the country will be used on Wednesday before the Lord
Bahubali is anointed with liquids.
The rituals of the day leading up to the anointment will commence early morning
at 4.45 am with the Agrodaka (Holy water) leaving the Digambar Jain Mutt
premises for the Vindhyagiri Hills accompanied by all those designated to
perform the abhisheka on the day, all the Acharyas and monks, and
Shravanabelagola Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka in the holy
presence of Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar muni maharaj.
Once atop the hills, the mangala dwani will commence followed by Bhaktamara
Nrutya, Mangalashtaka, Sandhyavandane Sakalekarana, Kalasha Sthapana Vidhi,
Prashasthi Vachana, Bhadrabahu Chandragupta Dance at Chavundaraya Basadi and
Nadaswara before the first Kalasha is downed on the head of the magnificent
monolith Bhagawan Bahubali by the members of the Patni family. This surreal
sight will last 10 minutes, even as around 6000 policemen spread all over the
town and uptop the Six illuminated towers keep watch.
In the day-long ceremony that will follow and end with the Mahamangalarathi at 3
p.m which will last till 3 pm, the Mahamastakabhisheka will take place through
the Shatabdi Kalasha, Jalabhisheka (108 pots), Narikela Abhisheka (500 pots),
Ishkurasa Abhisheka (300 pots), Milk Abhisheka (300 pots), Shwetha Kalkachoorna
Abhisheka (100 kgs), Haritha Kalkachoorna Abhisheka (100 kgs), Kashayaabhisheka
(25 kgs), Chatushkona Kalasha, Srigandha Abhisheka (25 kgs), Chandana Abhisheka
(25 kgs), Ashtaganda Abhisheka (25 kgs), Kesari Abhisheka (¼ kgs), Suvarnartna
Pushpavrushti, Pushpavrushti with flowers from different parts of the world,
Poornakumbha Kalasha and Ashtadravya pooja.
As the illuminated Vindyagiri dots
the evening sky, the air of expectancy looming in the air is palpable.
GRAND
MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA OF BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI
WHEN MILK AND SANDAL PASTE
FLOWED 3000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL
Atop Vindhyagiri Hills, Feb 8:
Shravanabelagola woke up on Wednesday to a ceiling of mist hanging over it
and the gaint monolith Bhagawan Bahubali peering throught it atop the
Vindhyagiri hills. Barely hours later, milk, sandal paste, flowers, and other
holy liquids covered his body as Jain hymns, slogans and chants rent the air.
The 86th Mahamastakabhisheka of this enduring universal symbol of peace and
renunciation had begun.
At the stroke of 10.34 am, the new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka of
Bhagawan Bahubali began with members of the Patni family from Kishangarh,
Rajasthan, commencing the abhisheka by emptying the first kalasha. A sight
eagerly savoured by millions, some 6000 strong gathering lucky enough to be
present on the three tier platform atop Shravanabelagola and others glued to the
Television sets to watch live telecast on Five channels, Astha, Sanskar,
Doordarshan, Udaya TV or Eenadu TV. Many other vantage points in this pilgrim
township for those enthusiasts who failed to secure entry included the
Chandragiri Hills, opposite the Vindhagiri Hills. As many as 108 Kalashas of
water from different rivers in the country will be used on Wednesday before the
Lord Bahubali is anointed with liquids.
The rituals of the day leading up to the anointment commenced around 9 am in the
morning atop the hills after the Agrodaka (Holy water) left the Digambar Jain
Mutt premises for the Vindhyagiri Hills.
Shravanabelagola Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka was the first to
reach the hills and after the Bhaktamara Nrutya, Mangalashtaka,and
Sandhyavandane Sakalekarana performed the Kalasha Sthapana Vidhi in front of
Bhagawan Bahubali. Chanting Jain hymns, he filled a giant Kalasha with rice and
placed a silver coconut with water on top, signaling the commencement of the
Mahamasthakabhisheka. Soon, a mandala was drawn up around the kalasha and idols
of Adinath, Bharata and Bahubali placed in front of the giant monolith.
As the clock ticked to the magic minute, Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar, who had
arrived with the entire 200 strong monks group to the venue, went down near the
statue and alongwith Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka hoisted the first
kalasha onto the shoulders of Ashok Kumar Patni, who secured the honour of
pouring the
first drops of water on Bhagawan Bahubali's head after a gap of 12 long years:
In the day-long ceremony that followed,the Mahamastakabhisheka will take place
through the Shatabdi Kalasha, Jalabhisheka (108 pots), Narikela Abhisheka (500
pots), Ishkurasa Abhisheka (300 pots), Milk Abhisheka (300 pots), Shwetha
Kalkachoorna Abhisheka (100 kgs), Haritha Kalkachoorna Abhisheka (100 kgs),
Kashayaabhisheka (25 kgs), Chatushkona Kalasha, Srigandha Abhisheka (25 kgs),
Chandana Abhisheka (25 kgs), Ashtaganda Abhisheka (25 kgs), Kesari Abhisheka (¼
kgs), Suvarnartna Pushpavrushti, Pushpavrushtiwith flowers from different parts
of the world, Poornakumbha Kalasha and Ashtadravya pooja.
MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA LATEST GRANDEUR
DIVINITY EMBODIED, A GRAND
MAHAMASTHEKEABHISHEKA
Atop Vindhyagiri Hills
(Shravanabelagola), Feb 8: A surreal experience that will linger for a
lifetime unfolding during the course of a day. This was Mahamastakabhisheka of
Bhagawan Bahubali on Wednesday, when this handsome monolith exhibited the
different shades of his personality with the different liquids showered on him.
The celebration, being conducted after a gap of 12 years, brought out the
relevance of Bahubali and his ideals of peace, non violence and renunciation, to
the troubled 21st century just five years and a month long.
Shravanabelagola woke up on Wednesday to a ceiling of mist hanging over it and
the giant monolith Bhagawan Bahubali peering through it atop the Vindhyagiri
hill. By evening though, the different dimensions of his personality as brought
out by the various abhishekas left the millions who gathered or watched the
proceedings live on television, spell bound.
If the abhisheka using 300 kalashas (pots) of milk made Bhagawan Bahubali
look saintly, the abhisheka using 100 kgs of white rice flour looked as if the
divine Bhagawan was virtually coming down from his nirvana state to the earth
from the milky way, all divine and glorious right in front of your eyes. The
6,000 strong gathering around the 58.8 ft monolith were spellbound. But the
exhibition was anything but over. The Ishkurasa or Sugarcane juice abhisheka, in
300 kalashas, seemed to reveal the secre behind Bahubali's enduring personality,
transcending time. The haritha kalkachurana or turmeric abhisheka revealed the
monk he was. The Sandalwood abhisheka, using 25 kgs of sandalwood in a gold
kalasha, a first, made him heavenly. The Chandana abhisheka revealed that he was
a man of flesh and bones with blood in his veins and yet showed the world the
path to peace. The Kesari vrushti showed the power of his meditation and the
shower of flowers from 57 countries merely reflected why he is universal. The
86th Mahamastakabhisheka of this enduring universal symbol of peace and
renunciation was magical as it was memorable.
At the stroke of 10.34 am, the new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka of
Bhagawan Bahubali began with members of the Patni family from Kishangarh,
Rajasthan, commencing the abhisheka by emptying the first kalasha. A sight
eagerly savoured by millions, some 6000 strong gathering lucky enough to be
present on the three tierplatform atop Shravanabelagola and others glued to the
Television sets to watch live telecast on Five channels, Astha, Sanskar,
Doordarshan, Udaya TV or Eenadu TV. Many other vantage points in this pilgrim
township for those enthusiasts who failed to secure entry included the
Chandragiri Hills, opposite the Vindhagiri Hills. As many as 108 Kalashas of
water from different rivers in the country will be used on Wednesday before the
Lord Bahubali is anointed with liquids.
The rituals of the day leading up to the anointment commenced around 9 am in the
morning atop the hills with the Agrodaka (Holy water) leaving the Digambar Jain
Mutt premises for the Vindhyagiri Hills early in the morning. Shravanabelagola
Pontiff Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka was the first to reach the hills and
after the Bhaktamara Nrutya, Mangalashtaka,and Sandhyavandane Sakalekarana
performed the Kalasha Sthapana Vidhi in front of Bhagawan Bahubali. Chanting
Jain hymns, he filled a giant Kalasha with rice and placed a silver coconut with
water on top, signaling the commencement of the Mahamasthakabhisheka.
Soon, a mandala was drawn up
around the kalasha and idols of Adinath, Bharata and Bahubali placed in front of
the giant monolith.
As the clock ticked to the magic minute, Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar, who had
arrived with the entire 200 strong monks group to the venue, went down near the
statue and alongwith Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka hoisted the first
kalasha onto the shoulders of Ashok Kumar Patni, who secured the honour of
pouring the first drops of water on Bhagawan Bahubali's head after a gap of 12
long years.
In the day-long ceremony that followed,the Mahamastakabhisheka took place
through the Shatabdi Kalasha, Jalabhisheka (108 pots), Narikela Abhisheka (500
pots), Ishkurasa Abhisheka (300 pots), Milk Abhisheka (300 pots), Shwetha
Kalkachoorna Abhisheka (100 kgs), Haritha Kalkachoorna Abhisheka (100 kgs),
Kashayaabhisheka (25 kgs), Chatushkona Kalasha, Srigandha Abhisheka (25 kgs),
Chandana Abhisheka (25 kgs), Ashtaganda Abhisheka (25 kgs), Kesari Abhisheka (¼
kgs), Suvarnartna Pushpavrushti, Pushpavrushtiwith flowers from different parts
of the world, Poornakumbha Kalasha and Ashtadravya pooja.
When the day's celebrations atop the hills ended and all those atop the hills
prepared to climb down for an evenings rest savouring the experience, the sight
that greeted them was thousands of people patiently waiting in queues to climb
up the hills for a darshan of the monolith, in his last state of reflecting in
various hues with a giant garland around him, after the day long
Mahamastakabhisheka. A remarkable day indeed celebrating a remarkable human born
on this earth.
THE HUMAN
DELUGE CONTINUES.....
Shravanabelagola, Feb 10:
As the Mahamastakabhishekha of Bahubali rolled into the third day, thousands
continued to throng here on Friday to catch a glimpse of the 57-feet monolith
that towers over the Jain heritage town.
On the third day, 1008 Kalasha holders performed the abhishekha for Gomateshwara
accompanied by hymns on Friday. The honour of performing the Sandalwood
abhisheka went to Mr.Anil Sethi of Bangalore while the milk and kashaya
abhisheka was performed by Mr.Ganapathi Rao Sarai of Guwahati, Assam. With the
organizers ironing out the minor hic ups in conducting the ceremony learning
from the experiences of the previous two days, Friday's Mastakabhisheka was
smooth with awe struck devotees, braving the scorching sun, dancing to the tunes
of devotional songs even the different dimensions of Bhagawan Bahubali came
forth through the different colours that rained on him.
The day's proceedings under the stewardship of Swasthishri Charukeerthi
Bhattaraka Swamiji, in the presence of Sri Vardhaman Sagar Munimaharaj and other
Acharyas began early with the Mastakabhisheka commencing at 8 a.m and ending ten
minutes past 4 p.m. The 'Kalashabhisheka' was followed by 'Panchamrutha
abhishekha' during which the statue was anointed with tender coconut water,
sugarcane juice, milk, rice flour, turmeric paste, kashaya (a herbal
concoction), kalkachurna, shrigandha (sandal paste), chandana (coloured sandal
paste), ashtagandha (eight varieties of sandal paste), saffron, gold and silver
flowers, precious stones and finally a variety of flowers.
Thousands of devotees watched the grand spectacle from the Chandragiri hills,
opposite Vindhyagiri, with deep devotion and was awe-struck seeing the statue
assume different hues during the 'Panchamrutha abhishekha.'
Union Planning Minister M V Rajashekaran who participated in the celebrations
atop the hills today did not make many efforts to hide his amazement and wonder.
"This place needs to be declared a heritage site by the Union Government without
waiting for any participation by the State. Shravanabelagola is too precious to
be neglected by not according it the World Heritage Status," he told media
persons.
Making it clear That he would do his best to secure Shravanabelagola the status
it is due, the Union Minister said Chief Minister Mr. H D. Kumaraswamy and
himself would make a last ditch effort to secure the participation of Congress
President Ms. Sonia Gandhi at the festival. "We will invite her and urge her to
visit after the CMs Conference day after tomorrow," he said.
The public show of Mahamastakabhisheka will have a break on Saturday and will
commence again on Sunday. If Sarvatobhadra mahapooja at Bhandara Basadi, to all
the 24 theerthankaras, is the highlight of dharmic face of the festival on
Saturday, the cultural show will feature dance by noted actress Ms.Shobana and
Group, followed by a gala light music evening featuring C Ashwath, Puttur
Narasimha Naik and others.
CHARUKEERTHI BHATTARAKHA SWAMIJI RELEASES ENGLISH EDITION OF 'KALACHAKRA'
Shravanabelgola, February 10:
IT was a unique event atop Vindhya Giri amid Jain hymns and chanting on
Friday, the Third Day of Mahamasthakabhisheka. Pontiff of Shravanbelgola
Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattarak Munimaharaj released the English version of
much acclaimed Kalachakra Panchanga, written by renowned astrologer Dr Surendra
Kumar Jain.
Speaking at the relase, Swamiji said that the Panchanga is a useful asset to
every house hold. "The Kalachakra Panchang is a mixture of old and latest system
of Astrology. The Kalachakra Panchanga is a user friendly book,'' he said.
Dr Jain said that he had predicted that the previous State government would be
in trouble. ``It's all planetary movements. Star power act on human beings and
thus we can predict the possibilities of trouble. I had predicted that the
Dharam Singh government could land in trouble on the basis of calculation made
on planetary movement'' he said.
"Centuries ago, Astronomers and Astrologers from India have made many
predictions and studies based on the movement of the stars. The modern scientist
should put more light on those historical records,'' headded.
Kalachakra Panchanga is widely made available across the State. The Kannada
version of Kalachakra Panchaga had a soft launch recently. The Kannada Panchanga
cost Rs 30 and the English one is available for Rs. 40.
Swamiji handed over the first copy of Panchanga to the Dr Jain and his family
members. Dr Jain anointed the Lord Bahubali after the release along with his
family.
DAY THAT
BELONGED TO THE JUDICIARY AND THE COMMON MAN ALIKE....
Shravanabelagola, Feb 10:
In a strange coincidence, day four at the Mahamastakabhishekha of Bahubali
belonged to members of the judiciary and general public, away from the glare of
the media and the officialdom.
As the day began, the celebrations began with the media out of the picture in
order to respect the sentiments of the members of the Judiciary including Five
High Court judges Justice Ajit Gunjal, Justice Anand Byrareddy and Mohan
Shantanagoudar, all of Karnataka High Court, Justice Balachandra Vagyani of
Mumbai and Justice Jain of Delhi, at the special show organized especially for
the members of the judiciary.
HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, speaking on Saturday's programme
in which passes were only issued by the mutt authorities to a select group of
invitees apart from the 250 members of the judiciary from different parts of the
country, said the programme had to be a mastakabhisheka as the padapooja of the
celebration period has been completed. The celebrations, which were more
symbolic than dharmic on the day, ended ahead of normal schedule.
The police, harassed as they were by security considerations and the surging
crowds on the first three days utilized the day to provide a breather to the
large crowds that had to wait the whole day till evening for a darshan of
Bhagawan Bahubali. The crowd was allowed up the hills throughout the day to have
a darshan of Bhagawan Bahubali and return even as the Mahamastakabhisheka was in
progress.
For the celebrations that commenced with inauguration by President APJ Abdul
Kalam on January 22, Saturday provided a much needed breather for some segments
of the silent yet hard working bunch of youngsters, be it volunteers or
employees of the Digambar Jain mutt, or those at the Government Media Centre.
And hence, an appropriate moment to retrace the steps of Mahamastakabhisheka 06
to date.
The new millennium's first Mahamastakabhisheka Celebration of Bhagawan Bahubali
Swami began with the consecration of the statue of Bhagwan Mahaveer at the
panchakalyana pendal at Sharavanabelagola during the
wee hours on January 22. In the dharmic rituals that began early morning with
consecration of Mahaveera's statue, which was carried from the Bhandara Basadi
to the pendal in Thyagi Nagar in a grand procession with a poorna kumba
features. His Holiness Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj, Swasthishri
Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and all the Jain acharyas and Mathajis led the
procession into the Panchakalyana Pendal.
Later, during the day, President Dr. A PJ Abdul Kalam formally inaugurated the
celebrations with a clarion call for world peace even as a giant screen on the
dais telecast live pictures of the Bhagawan Bahubali padapooja proceedings atop
the Vindhyagiri Hills. Dr. Kalam, speaking after lighting the lamp marking the
commencement of the celebrations and declaring open the 100 bed Bahubali
Children's Hospital, had said the values of non violence and renunciation
enshrined in the life and ideals of Bhagawan Bahubali holds the key to world
peace.
The scene shifted to Chandragiri Hills on the next three days with the
footprints of Bhadrabahu in the Cave being worshiped, followed by homage to the
foot imprints of Bhadrabahu, and finally the imprints of Chandragupta Mourya on
the near the foot of the hills. Later it was the turn of remembering Emperor
Ashoka before the 24 theerthankaras received silver Chatrathrayas.
Then it was the turn of the Sri mutt authorities to remember a remarkable woman
whose tragic death was silently felt throughout the celebrations till
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra eggade, came out of his hibernation, and
again onto the public a few days ago. The Mutt paid homage to Mathrushree
Ratnamma Heggade, mother of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade at a
memorial held at the Bandara Basadi.
Paying tribute to Mathrushree Ratnamma Heggade, who passed away in road
accident, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said Mathrushree was an
exceptional figure in the modern society and was the inspiration behind the
consecration of the Bahubali statue at Dharmasthala.
On January 27, doyens of peace and communal amity Former Principal Secretary
(Karnataka) Chiranjeev Singh, Pejawar Seer Vishveshatheertha Sripadangal,
Adichunchanagiri Seer Balagangadharanatha Swamiji, Karnataka Minorities
Commission Chairman Dr. K S M Masood, Rajayogini B K Lakshmiji of Brahmakumari
Vishwavidyanilaya (Mysore) and Swami Nityashtananada of Ramakrishna Ashram
(Mysore) were conferred 'Sarvadharma Samanvaya Acharya' titles at the
Sarvadharma Samanvaya Sammelan.
The celebrations gained momentum with the 'Mathru Vandana', wherein womanhood
was celebrated, examined and evaluated in keeping with the changing times and
the challenges ahead. Women came in droves for this programme. And one man,
Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, was working away silently both on
the stage as well as one the sidelines to ensure that the celebrations went on
smoothly, coordinating with various agencies in the Government as well as
different sub committees of MMC 06, exhibiting sterling leadership qualities.
As the D-day Feburary 8 inched closer, attention turned toward the various
townships that were coming up, and the impact of the political changes both at
the Centre and the State on the preparations and the celebrations. But, despite
these uncertainties the festivities continued and the royal patronage to Jainism
was remembered in 'Karnataka Vaibhava'. Around the same time the Sri Mutt
acquired a proud possession in the form of a silver chariot, which along with
the statues of 24 Teerthankaras in silver/wooden palanquins was the cynosure of
lakhs that turned out to witness the grand Mahamastakabhisheka procession on
February 5.
The next day belonged to Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Addressing the
gathering after performing the 'Rajyabhisheka Ceremony' in Pachakalyana Mahotsav
of Adinath, the first Theerthankara, on the occasion of the Mahamastakabhisheka
Mahotsav, he spelt out a new development dimension to Ahimsa, stating true
non-violence does not mean only doing away with violence. All types of
exploitation, deprivation and inequality constitute violence. So long there is
poverty, backwardness and illiteracy in our country, the stigma of violence will
continue to be upon us. As long as 26 crore people continue to remain below the
poverty line, deprived of basic amenities like employment, nutritious food,
education, health and safe drinking water, a truly non-violent society cannot be
established, he warned.
Suddenly, everything paled into the background and all eyes were on
Mahamastakabhisheka proper. Soon the illumination of entire Shravanabelagola
inclusive of the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri came alive. And before one realized
the D Day was here and the rest is history, moments that belong solely to
Bhagawan Bahubali and his immortal and time immemorial ideals.
Swamiji Satisfied: Expressing satisfaction at the way the celebrations
have gone so far, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said he had
convened a meeting of officials on Friday evening to review the loose ends that
have been identified including breaking up of drinking water pipelines, and some
sanitation and drainage issues. A meeting of the officials has been convened
again for later today and tomorrow to take stock of the situation.
The Swamiji said the interests of the devotees have been given paramount
importance and some changes have been made to the schedule in order to
accommodate theses interests and also the interest of unnecessarily increasing
the load on Shravanabelagola. "The town currently is hosting as many as 30,000
devotees. But the number is going up and we cannot accommodate more. And this,
despite the live coverage on television. So, we are trying to ensure that nobody
overstays and faces unwanted hardships including unnecessary expenditure because
of the celebrations, and accommodating those we have to, through revisions in
the schedule," he said.
CJ Tomorrow: Chief Justice of India Y K Sabarwal and Karnataka High Court
Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph will participate in the celebrations on Sunday,
featuring 1008 kalashas. The cultural programme features legendary
singer from Kerala K J Yesudas.
FRENCH
ACTRESS ONDINE VERGES AT MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA
Shravanbelgola, February, 10:
On day three of the Mahamasthakabhisheka, atop Vindhay Giri Hills a special
visitor caught attention of many. French Actress Ondine Vergers, along with
Vinanti Sarkar, Director of Jain Enlightenment TV Series was the object of many
curious eyes, as she braved the hot sun and participated in the event.
"I am stunned to see this marvelous creation. I seem so little in front of
world's tallest monolith. I am here to know more about Indian cultural and
festival tradition. And, I am sure, the Jain festival Mahamasthakabhisheka will
be a life time memory,'' Ondine Verges, told mediapersons, atop Vindhya Giri
Hills.
Verges has acted in number of French movies, documentaries and children movies.
She is known for her acting in Faux Amis, a French movie. The movie narrates how
a bad company might spoil the teenagers. She is in Shravanbelgola to act in a
television show for `Reality TV.'
"The statue of Lord Bahubali propagates non violence, peace and brotherhood.
People in West know only about the Statue of Liberty. I will explain the people
in West, who is Bahubali and about his story. Why should only Indians learn
about the great saga, even people in West should know about Lord Bahubali,'' she
said.
"This is my fourth visit to India, first to Shravanbelgola. I am sure, I will
come back to this pilgrim town again,'' she added.
Verges watched entire rituals of Mahamasthakabhisheka. She took blessing from
Charukeerthi Munimaharaj and discussed about the rituals. Speaking to media,
Swamiji said that, people from the film industry have always been far from this
event.
"There is no restriction for anyone who wishes to visit VindhyaGiri for
Mahamasthakabhisheka. We are happy that foreign participation has increased with
foreign journalists, NRIs and movie and television actors. The event is gaining
international attention rapidly,'' he added.
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